Prince Harry Appointed Sainsbury's School Games President

In backing the multi-sport event, the prince will help to highlight the role that competitive sport can play in making a difference in young people's lives.

The finals for the first ever Games, involving 1,600 elite young athletes, took place at ExCel and the Olympic Park, starting on Monday and finishing on Wednesday.

The prince said: "Huge congratulations to everyone who has taken part in the inaugural School Games, but especially to those who have won.

"I believe that sport can give people confidence and skills which set you up for life.

"It is so important to get outside and to keep physically and mentally fit.

"I am very honoured to become the president of the School Games."

The Games is a year-round school sports initiative, which uses the inspiration of London's Olympics and Paralympics to transform competitive sport in schools and get more people playing.

Thousands of schools across the country have signed up to take part in local class versus class and school versus school competitions, along with county-wide sports festivals.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he was "thrilled" that Prince Harry is backing the games, adding: "He is a great sportsman in his own right and I'm sure his support and enthusiasm will be a massive inspiration to all the young people who take part in every stage of the Sainsbury's School Games."